Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage took over Ipapo Micro Irrigation Project from the Contractor Messrs Mcwell Resources Limited after completion of the project at Igbo-Gidigidi in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The Taking over of the Micro Irrigation Project was done at the project site on Friday 17th January, 2025. Those that witnessed the taking over of the project are:
Engr.(Mrs) Esther Oyeronke Oluniyi FNSE, Director, Irrigation and Drainage,
Engr. Adekunle Storitire, MD Mcwell Resources Limited, Mrs Florence I. Oyakhirome (Deputy Director Irrigation and Drainage), Engr. Tony Balogun, Assistant Director, Irrigation and Drainage of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority among others.

While speaking, Engr.(Mrs) E.O Oluniyi disclosed that, the construction of Ipapo micro-irrigation project aimed at boosting food production, enhancing job creation, poverty eradication and sustainability of livelihood, which are in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
She maintained that the project is for all year round farming (dry & wet season), which does not require farmers running helter and skelter in search of water to nurture and grow plants.
Engr. (Mrs) E. O. Oluniyi however noted that, it is a new method of farming in the area and there will be involvement of an Agronomist(s) that would train and guide them on strict adherence to cropping calendar and production of seedlings.

She advised farmers to take advantage and privilege that was extended to them by the Federal Government, reiterating on compliance with with Agronomist’s guidelines and any advice towards the fruition of their engagements.
Engr. (Mrs) E. O. Oluniyi expressed her gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev FNSE, the Permanent Secretary, Sir. R. Pheelangwah and MD, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Dr. Adedeji Ashiru FNSE for their efforts and concerns that ultimately culminated in the actualization of the project.

In response, the farmers expressed their gratitude to the Honourable Minister, the Permanent Secretary for this great opportunity given them to be among the beneficiaries of this project in their environment.
The farmers equally questioned whether the portion that will be allocated to them will be permanent allocation? In response to the question, Mrs. Florence I. Oyakhirome expatiated that the portions of land to be allocated to farmers would be used to build up capacity, while farmers are expected to show dedication and determination in the utilization of the plot of land allocated to them.
She furthered stated that, the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation would not condone laziness, lackadaisical attitude from the farmers, after their portions of land had been allocated to them. They are also to be in group of Water User Association to enable effective operation and maintenance of the infrastructure.

In his comment, Engr. Tony Balogun of OORBDA enjoined farmers to stick to planting of crops, most especially okro, maize and habernero pepper that are recommended for the land.
Finally, Engr.
Adekunle Storitire, MD Mcwell Resources Limited and Contractor for the Micro Irrigation Project revealed that the project has four components, which are Boreholes as water source with solar power, water pipes, greenhouse and graded road with Culvert.

He hinted that the micro project which started about 22 months ago, precisely Feb/March, 2022 has been faithfully completed by his company and acknowledged the support of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, and Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation as well as the team from OORBDA.
He added that the support received from all the parties and aa well as their commitment saw the project through, thereby making the project to be eventually a reality today.

He commended the members of the community for their firm support during the construction of the project.
Engr. Storitire tasked farmers to be inspired, passionate and dedicated to the effective, efficient and make good use of the facilities so that the purpose for which the Micro project was constructed would be actualised.

While showing appreciation, Baba Kiloto Omokosi on behalf of the farmers from Ipapo and Mr Kayode Oguntona on from Oke-Amu expressed their gratitude on behalf of the farmers from the two communities respectively to the Federal Government and the Director of Irrigation Engr. (Mrs) E.O. Oluniyi and prayed to God Almighty to continue to bless her and her team.